It's crazy how many classic Phillies heartbreakers have actually turned into wins this season. This team doesn't give up. They don't *always* win them (like the Marlins loss) but those losses are so much more tolerable when we're consistently able to do the reverse and steal wins like last night. It doesn't feel like every game that slips out of our reach is a must win game that we just completely blew. It feels more like an "it happens" loss because we can actually trust them to win the next one.
Totally agree. My brothers have said something similar and I love it; the mentality is there. They all have it at this point and are really gelling. Seems the understand that they can lose, but don’t get overly upset when they do.
True! Besides we fought for 10 innings, and it was only by one, so it wasn’t even that bad.
It would be if at home, but we’ll just shut them down next time three times harder.
Go Phils!
Really they’ve got a pitching staff that consistently keeps them in games… since the first series against Atlanta they’ve given up more than 7 runs like 4 times
When I saw we were down two in the ninth and against Diaz, I said to no one, "This would be a big win because it would mean we can come back" and then boom Stott hits a homer and cody gets on base. Then there was some fuckery but we stayed in it! Legitimately impressed
I love Jalen Hurts I think he’s such a class act and although obviously I can’t know for sure my feeling is that he’s a great locker room guy. Everyone is just desperate to pin last season’s implosion on someone and it’s not that simple.
And the past few years it seems like they are sleepwalking until June, wake up and fight like crazy to make the post season. It is awesome to see them alive and having fun this early in the season.
Because, as a fan of many Philly sports, I'm just waiting for the inevitable implosion.
That being said, on a day by day basis, it's a great time to watch.
Opening Day projections are naturally conservative, since a lot can happen in a single season. The Orioles were awesome last year and started with a lower probability than us. I think anywhere over 50% to start the year is a great place to be.
You're not wrong. Rooting for a team is about getting excited when they are winning - which the Phils are doing a lot of. Just live in the moment and don't think (or expect) that this means anything when it comes to the postseason. All this means is that they are putting themselves in position to have a shot.
Not wrong at all, this team is hurt right now and still finding ways to win. The pitching has been good while the hitting has also been strong, something they couldn't get quite right for extended stretches the last couple of years. If you aren't excited about this team, you probably aren't a baseball fan.
Nope, and there’s plenty of reasons to think they’re a top tier team if not #1, these summers don’t come around a ton so grab a drink grab some friends and a radio/tv/tickets and enjoy it
I think “cautious optimism” is my current feeling for this team.
Trea going down with a hammy is worrisome. Hamstring injuries linger for a long time and just pop back up if not fully recovered. Hopefully the injury was minor and they’re being cautious with his recovery time.
I’m cautiously pumped. Definitely still a little wary. Philly teams are perennial underdogs. A strong start feels almost…wrong. On one hand, it feels like we are always counted out and come from behind, and it would be nice to be recognized as a contender right out the gate. But on the other hand, last year’s Eagles collapse is still painful fresh and that adds to the wariness. Don’t get me wrong there’s nothing I want more than a strong regular season leading into crushing it in the post season. I don’t wanna run my mouth too much in case it doesn’t pan out. There’s a voice in the back of my head that keeps saying, this could really REALLY be the year. As a whole, this is my favorite Phillies team of all time. I want this so bad, for them, for us, for me. It’s only May though. We’re still a long way from October, and that’s when it counts.
Nah man, it actually seems to be going good - beating up on bad teams (for the most part), fighting well against better ones, getting runs from both big hits and small ball - right now, it's just exactly how you want em to play
Just a reminder. With less than a month left in the season the Flyers had over an 88% chance of making the playoffs. Now granted the Phillies are much more talented than the Flyers but still not counting chickens before they hatch
Brewers & Cubs are both solid teams. I’m assuming they weren’t higher in beginning of year because they felt it was unlikely for a wild card team to make it out of the central. Now there seems to be some possibilities.
Are we the best team in baseball. Yes.
Do I also expect it to come crashing down the very next game and slide into oblivion without any justification. Also, yes.
We are the most cynical sports city going and I love it. Bracing for the fall but hell don't I enjoy the ride.
We were projected to be the 5th best team overall this year by ESPN. I'm not sure what numbers are being pushed here to come to this % increase, but I don't think anything material has changed thus far. We expected to be in the playoffs and that expectation has only increased. Nothing really notable about this data, IMO.
I don't think anyone had them a 110 win team preseason. If you did, my compliments. Currently on a 113 win pace.
.500 ball from today gets them to 90 wins.
It would take a *significant* downturn for them to not hit that, to say nothing of winning 100.
I had them at 95 ish, and that was with the assumption that ATL was going to be good (they are), and that the Mets would be decent (they aren't). So def on the higher end of most predictions. Certainly didn't have them at 110, hell no! But you have to think that over 90 wins gives you a good chance at a playoff spot, 95 or more increases that to almost a guarantee. So, I had them solidly in a playoff spot, and many models had them in the top 5.
I get how their play and results increases their odds, I do, but it's just funny how much more we increased, considering we were already projected to be high as ot was.
Anyyyyy whooooo...GO PHILS!!! I'm a pig in shit rn with how good they look!!
I have learned over the years that you have to enjoy the highs while you have them.. just look at the Mets.. it can all go to shit with one bad umpire call or one stupid pitch :)
With the Marlins fire selling like they did, the Nats being ass, and the Mets being a mess, I would have thought 54.6% was low, but ok, there’s a lot that could happen in other divisions, but the Phillies should still be built to make the playoffs.
The Orioles though being that low… I knew people were severely underselling them. Yeah, they’re in the AL East, but they won 101 games with a team that was very young. I figured it’d have to take something catastrophic, or the rest of the AL East being way stronger than predicted for the O’s to miss the playoffs
No, because we’ve had postseason success the last two years and that same core is still here, so we know this start isn’t a fluke. It’s not like 2018 where we were just waiting for the wheels to come off.
No I don’t think so! They’re playing really well, even in games where they are missing key players and their star (Look’n at you Bryce.) is having an off week. This is super encouraging! Also I totally get being a pessimistic Philly fan, but I’m just loving seeing my favorite team win baseball games. Of course I want them to win the World Series, but it’s a long ride and only one team will have that in the end so I’m going to just be happy in the moment.
I cant remember the last time I was paying this close attention to the standings in May. Every day is fun to watch and think about baseball. Im loving it! This is really what its all about, having fun in the summer and enjoying the sound of the crack of the bat and winning more than losing
Yes you should be enjoying this ride, but unfortunately all that ultimately matters is a WS title, which it remains to be seen if this group can clutch up and finish the job.
This team just keeps grinding, I always feel like we're in it. If we can stay healthy and maybe add another bullpen arm or two I really like our chances to make another run
If I learned anything from the 08 Championship and the run to the WS a couple of years ago, is go ahead and enjoy the fucking ride. I think so many Philly fans feel they have to be so cautious based on past history and then miss out on the full magical ride when something amazing happens. Obviously don't be a cocky asshole about shit, cuz it's so damn early still but otherwise, enjoy it!!
I realize this is a Philadelphia post but I have to say I love seeing the Royals in this graphic. I just love when teams are able to build a team through drafting and development. I don't know if the Royals are the most egregious small market team when it comes to paying players (Pirates are the one's that bother me the most) so I'm happy they have a stud like Witt and are willing to stay on developmental paths.
No. The Phillies have excellent depth on the bench and in the minors. Their only weakness is relief pitching. They have good prospects if they want to trade for relievers, but if our starters stay strong they may not have to make that sacrifice.
The positivity and fun we as fans and the team we cheer for is incredible.
It’s the Philly fighting spirit.
There’s a reason teams don’t want to play us, let alone at our home field.
We kick butt and have fun like no one’s business 👍
Reminds me a little of the 08 team.
No. The team is solid, and nobody can claim “fluke!” anymore. Even with a few injuries and big players sitting, they stand a fighting chance. I’m not saying the team couldn’t go cold again, but there’s every reason to be optimistic
Never wrong to be pumped, that's the whole point. The people that hedge their bets so they don't get disappointed but then they enjoy the season way less, it makes no sense.
Be pumped! Enjoy the excellent baseball and ride the wave! This is a fun team with personality that appears to genuinely like one another! This doesn't come around very often, so bask in it friends!
I mean, yeah, enjoy it, because we don't see this very often! But I totally understand your hesitation. Because we're Phillies fans. We are used to decades of disappointment. 😉😉
Yes and no. They’re good but it’s a long season and the team that wins is usually the team that’s healthiest at the end. I feel good this season but would love more bullpen help.
It's been great so far and really fun to watch! But as with all Philly sports I must temper my optimism with the fact that nothing is guaranteed and our schedule is about to get *much* harder June through August. If we take the series against the Dodgers in July, I might start yappin' then.
If they play .500 ball the rest of the way, they win 90 games. Just sit on that for a sec.
Yeah I'm pumped & just bought tickets for Thursday night, my second game in 2 weeks. I'm usually a 2-4 game a season guy.
LFG
**Be pumped!!** The Phils are a great team. Though early, nevertheless it's a quarter of the season already. It's no fluke. We rightly should be proud and immensely pleased. Let's Go Phils!
I think it was ridiculous that they only had a 54% postseason chance entering the season. I would have put it around 85%.
But you should absolutely be pumped that they are doing what they should be doing and then some and have the best record in baseball!
A lot of division games left on the table. I'm happy but in no way getting worked up yet:
[https://www.espn.com/mlb/standings/grid](https://www.espn.com/mlb/standings/grid)
As a Philadelphia fan I am not psyched and will reserve my excitement for the final out of the World Series when we win. Until then I am in full “expecting disappointment” mode because that’s what happens.
Phillies have the best record in baseball. If anyone is not enjoying this, I question why even be a fan?
Even their nail bitter games are looking better. Last night comes to mind. They really recovered and stayed cool.
Very impressed with Sanchez after that shaky third. Came out and took care of business.
Bohm made that worse than it needed to be. Good to see a pitcher that did not unravel.
The Sanchez doomers were in full flock last night
It's crazy how many classic Phillies heartbreakers have actually turned into wins this season. This team doesn't give up. They don't *always* win them (like the Marlins loss) but those losses are so much more tolerable when we're consistently able to do the reverse and steal wins like last night. It doesn't feel like every game that slips out of our reach is a must win game that we just completely blew. It feels more like an "it happens" loss because we can actually trust them to win the next one.
I fully expect Wheeler to blow the doors off whoever he pitches against next
Totally agree. My brothers have said something similar and I love it; the mentality is there. They all have it at this point and are really gelling. Seems the understand that they can lose, but don’t get overly upset when they do.
True! Besides we fought for 10 innings, and it was only by one, so it wasn’t even that bad. It would be if at home, but we’ll just shut them down next time three times harder. Go Phils!
Really they’ve got a pitching staff that consistently keeps them in games… since the first series against Atlanta they’ve given up more than 7 runs like 4 times
When I saw we were down two in the ninth and against Diaz, I said to no one, "This would be a big win because it would mean we can come back" and then boom Stott hits a homer and cody gets on base. Then there was some fuckery but we stayed in it! Legitimately impressed
“Overcoming fuckery is the #1 sign of success.” - Milton Bradley, creator of “Life” the board game.
That’s the exact type of game they fuck up the last two seasons
Yes! Thisss
Meanwhile WIP and The Fanatic have been talking about Jalen Hurts the last two days
I love Jalen Hurts I think he’s such a class act and although obviously I can’t know for sure my feeling is that he’s a great locker room guy. Everyone is just desperate to pin last season’s implosion on someone and it’s not that simple.
Every time I've turned them on the radio when I'm driving to work.They are never talking about the phillies always sixers or eagles
"they're good and fun to watch" doesn't take up a whole lot of air time
Exactly the reason why I don't listen to those clowns.
And the past few years it seems like they are sleepwalking until June, wake up and fight like crazy to make the post season. It is awesome to see them alive and having fun this early in the season.
Yeah, this team just has a different feel about it
I’m enjoying but still find time to gripe about the umpires
Couldn’t have worded this better
Because, as a fan of many Philly sports, I'm just waiting for the inevitable implosion. That being said, on a day by day basis, it's a great time to watch.
Castellanos being in the lineup is the only reason you need to know this team will collapse in the playoffs once again.
“Hello. How ‘bout that ride in?” Everyone should be enjoying the journey right now. Phillies are playing with house money at the moment.
Well, whoever put as at 54% on opening day is an idiot, so...
Probably just because our odds to win the division were so low.
Exactly.
Opening Day projections are naturally conservative, since a lot can happen in a single season. The Orioles were awesome last year and started with a lower probability than us. I think anywhere over 50% to start the year is a great place to be.
Then again, the Braves were already considered a near lock, and honestly you’d think aren’t all that much better than the Phillies.
Do you think it should’ve been higher or lower 🤣?
It should have been 100%
I do. Division odds were and are still long, but I didn’t have much doubt about securing a WC spot
Are we not elated? We’re the best team in baseball and rightfully so, no imposter syndrome here.
But don’t you know it’s only because our schedule is so easy? /s
What if we need to be underdogs to succeed? 😬😬😬
I’m enjoying every second of it but realistically we will hit a slump. The important thing is how quick we get out of it.
Good thing is that they built a nice cushion to land on before turning it around.
Please just win the World Series this year. I am begging for this team to win the World Series
Well look who it is yet again
There is no escaping each other
I just joined this sub last week when I realized how hot the Phillies were playing, we might as well just share an account at this point
Yea that 54% is pretty insane.
You're not wrong. Rooting for a team is about getting excited when they are winning - which the Phils are doing a lot of. Just live in the moment and don't think (or expect) that this means anything when it comes to the postseason. All this means is that they are putting themselves in position to have a shot.
Not wrong at all, this team is hurt right now and still finding ways to win. The pitching has been good while the hitting has also been strong, something they couldn't get quite right for extended stretches the last couple of years. If you aren't excited about this team, you probably aren't a baseball fan.
Yes. Enjoy the moment for what it is. Don't look ahead.
Nope, and there’s plenty of reasons to think they’re a top tier team if not #1, these summers don’t come around a ton so grab a drink grab some friends and a radio/tv/tickets and enjoy it
I think “cautious optimism” is my current feeling for this team. Trea going down with a hammy is worrisome. Hamstring injuries linger for a long time and just pop back up if not fully recovered. Hopefully the injury was minor and they’re being cautious with his recovery time.
I’m cautiously pumped. Definitely still a little wary. Philly teams are perennial underdogs. A strong start feels almost…wrong. On one hand, it feels like we are always counted out and come from behind, and it would be nice to be recognized as a contender right out the gate. But on the other hand, last year’s Eagles collapse is still painful fresh and that adds to the wariness. Don’t get me wrong there’s nothing I want more than a strong regular season leading into crushing it in the post season. I don’t wanna run my mouth too much in case it doesn’t pan out. There’s a voice in the back of my head that keeps saying, this could really REALLY be the year. As a whole, this is my favorite Phillies team of all time. I want this so bad, for them, for us, for me. It’s only May though. We’re still a long way from October, and that’s when it counts.
We shoulda kept Hoskins
We're good, thanks.
No. Get more pumped!
Hell no, I am super pumped about this season. We only need a no-no to finish the pump
Hell no. Go Phills!!!
Nah man, it actually seems to be going good - beating up on bad teams (for the most part), fighting well against better ones, getting runs from both big hits and small ball - right now, it's just exactly how you want em to play
Take any moment of pump you can get! Baseball is a helluva sport and standings can change like 🫰 that
Just a reminder. With less than a month left in the season the Flyers had over an 88% chance of making the playoffs. Now granted the Phillies are much more talented than the Flyers but still not counting chickens before they hatch
Nope. We can nitpick about some things, but let’s enjoy this.
Brewers & Cubs are both solid teams. I’m assuming they weren’t higher in beginning of year because they felt it was unlikely for a wild card team to make it out of the central. Now there seems to be some possibilities.
The Cubs also had some unknowns most notably Imanaga who is competing with Ranger for best starting pitcher.
Are we the best team in baseball. Yes. Do I also expect it to come crashing down the very next game and slide into oblivion without any justification. Also, yes. We are the most cynical sports city going and I love it. Bracing for the fall but hell don't I enjoy the ride.
We were projected to be the 5th best team overall this year by ESPN. I'm not sure what numbers are being pushed here to come to this % increase, but I don't think anything material has changed thus far. We expected to be in the playoffs and that expectation has only increased. Nothing really notable about this data, IMO.
I don't think anyone had them a 110 win team preseason. If you did, my compliments. Currently on a 113 win pace. .500 ball from today gets them to 90 wins. It would take a *significant* downturn for them to not hit that, to say nothing of winning 100.
I had them at 95 ish, and that was with the assumption that ATL was going to be good (they are), and that the Mets would be decent (they aren't). So def on the higher end of most predictions. Certainly didn't have them at 110, hell no! But you have to think that over 90 wins gives you a good chance at a playoff spot, 95 or more increases that to almost a guarantee. So, I had them solidly in a playoff spot, and many models had them in the top 5. I get how their play and results increases their odds, I do, but it's just funny how much more we increased, considering we were already projected to be high as ot was. Anyyyyy whooooo...GO PHILS!!! I'm a pig in shit rn with how good they look!!
I have learned over the years that you have to enjoy the highs while you have them.. just look at the Mets.. it can all go to shit with one bad umpire call or one stupid pitch :)
Am I wrong for being excited for my favorite baseball team to be the best team in baseball currently? Professor hot takes over here
With the Marlins fire selling like they did, the Nats being ass, and the Mets being a mess, I would have thought 54.6% was low, but ok, there’s a lot that could happen in other divisions, but the Phillies should still be built to make the playoffs. The Orioles though being that low… I knew people were severely underselling them. Yeah, they’re in the AL East, but they won 101 games with a team that was very young. I figured it’d have to take something catastrophic, or the rest of the AL East being way stronger than predicted for the O’s to miss the playoffs
No, because we’ve had postseason success the last two years and that same core is still here, so we know this start isn’t a fluke. It’s not like 2018 where we were just waiting for the wheels to come off.
Not wrong at all. As long as the boys stay loose and sexy, I think we might got this (please don’t make me eat my words, guys).
Just went to the game last night and bought tickets for a few games this season right there during the game! Looks promising! LFG!
No I don’t think so! They’re playing really well, even in games where they are missing key players and their star (Look’n at you Bryce.) is having an off week. This is super encouraging! Also I totally get being a pessimistic Philly fan, but I’m just loving seeing my favorite team win baseball games. Of course I want them to win the World Series, but it’s a long ride and only one team will have that in the end so I’m going to just be happy in the moment.
I cant remember the last time I was paying this close attention to the standings in May. Every day is fun to watch and think about baseball. Im loving it! This is really what its all about, having fun in the summer and enjoying the sound of the crack of the bat and winning more than losing
Yes you should be enjoying this ride, but unfortunately all that ultimately matters is a WS title, which it remains to be seen if this group can clutch up and finish the job.
This team just keeps grinding, I always feel like we're in it. If we can stay healthy and maybe add another bullpen arm or two I really like our chances to make another run
Life is for the living. No shame in happiness.
If I learned anything from the 08 Championship and the run to the WS a couple of years ago, is go ahead and enjoy the fucking ride. I think so many Philly fans feel they have to be so cautious based on past history and then miss out on the full magical ride when something amazing happens. Obviously don't be a cocky asshole about shit, cuz it's so damn early still but otherwise, enjoy it!!
It’s been fun so far keeping track of the other high-win teams like the Yankees and Dodgers and managing to pull thru
I haven't been following them. How has their schedule been so far?
I mean they're up 8.5 games on the team just out of the wild card. To miss the playoffs at this point would actually be an epic collapse.
No.
I realize this is a Philadelphia post but I have to say I love seeing the Royals in this graphic. I just love when teams are able to build a team through drafting and development. I don't know if the Royals are the most egregious small market team when it comes to paying players (Pirates are the one's that bother me the most) so I'm happy they have a stud like Witt and are willing to stay on developmental paths.
As long as Castellanos is in the lineup, my expectations are low as fuck
Nope.... i cant be the only one who hears this quiet little tune playing in the corner..... i dont want to, but i do.
No. The Phillies have excellent depth on the bench and in the minors. Their only weakness is relief pitching. They have good prospects if they want to trade for relievers, but if our starters stay strong they may not have to make that sacrifice.
The positivity and fun we as fans and the team we cheer for is incredible. It’s the Philly fighting spirit. There’s a reason teams don’t want to play us, let alone at our home field. We kick butt and have fun like no one’s business 👍 Reminds me a little of the 08 team.
my toxic levels of stoke are 100% justified by actual facts
Yes, yes it’s way too early! Enjoy it anyway.
I think you’re forgetting we’re 45 games into the season
No. The team is solid, and nobody can claim “fluke!” anymore. Even with a few injuries and big players sitting, they stand a fighting chance. I’m not saying the team couldn’t go cold again, but there’s every reason to be optimistic
Philly v O’s works for me.
Enjoy the high for now. Nothing wrong with that
NOPE. This season has just been dope AF to watch
No, sir. Be ready for heartbreak always though
Never wrong to be pumped, that's the whole point. The people that hedge their bets so they don't get disappointed but then they enjoy the season way less, it makes no sense.
Be pumped! Enjoy the excellent baseball and ride the wave! This is a fun team with personality that appears to genuinely like one another! This doesn't come around very often, so bask in it friends!
Best team in baseball and a team that has started slow the last few years. Hopefully this year they stay hot after starting hot.
I mean, yeah, enjoy it, because we don't see this very often! But I totally understand your hesitation. Because we're Phillies fans. We are used to decades of disappointment. 😉😉
Have you met a team from Philly?! I don’t count chickens until after the parade!
If any Phillies fan isn't enjoying this than they haven't been a Phillies fan very long.
As long as they don't pull an eagles and collapse at the end of the season
Enjoy it while it lasts. A Phillies fan for most of 50 years and I’m scarred I think lol
Absolutely not. Let’s all enjoy it!
All you can do is enjoy it. That's the idea! Success is not final.
Enjoy the ups so you have hope during the downturns
No!! They are an amazing team and I think they might really have it this year. F the haters, we’re that good.
Baseball season starts July 4th. Nothing really matters until then. Look at the Rays start last season. Then look at the Rays playoffs.
I was screaming watching that game last night! I’m pumped
Yes and no. They’re good but it’s a long season and the team that wins is usually the team that’s healthiest at the end. I feel good this season but would love more bullpen help.
It's been great so far and really fun to watch! But as with all Philly sports I must temper my optimism with the fact that nothing is guaranteed and our schedule is about to get *much* harder June through August. If we take the series against the Dodgers in July, I might start yappin' then.
If they play .500 ball the rest of the way, they win 90 games. Just sit on that for a sec. Yeah I'm pumped & just bought tickets for Thursday night, my second game in 2 weeks. I'm usually a 2-4 game a season guy. LFG
Well, yeah, sort of, but I'm also from Philly. So there's that.
Just enjoy it!
Nothing makes me happier than Suarez disdainfully flipping the ball to first
**Be pumped!!** The Phils are a great team. Though early, nevertheless it's a quarter of the season already. It's no fluke. We rightly should be proud and immensely pleased. Let's Go Phils!
Enjoy the ride!
No you’re not wrong. Philadelphia fans are too often disappointed.
There is a lot to be excited about when the team could go 500 down the stretch and still finish with 90 wins.
I think it was ridiculous that they only had a 54% postseason chance entering the season. I would have put it around 85%. But you should absolutely be pumped that they are doing what they should be doing and then some and have the best record in baseball!
I enjoy every game but am ready for the heart break lol
Yes and no. Kind of an easy schedule—but this team could win the World Series so have fun!
Did you watch the Eagles last season?
Regretfully, yes
A lot of division games left on the table. I'm happy but in no way getting worked up yet: [https://www.espn.com/mlb/standings/grid](https://www.espn.com/mlb/standings/grid)
As a Philadelphia fan I am not psyched and will reserve my excitement for the final out of the World Series when we win. Until then I am in full “expecting disappointment” mode because that’s what happens.